An elder in the Pecos Spanish Congregation, Nelson noted the importance of parents understanding their children's beliefs and spiritual development. That knowledge proves essential for parents working to provide appropriate guidance to children, he said.

"We're very big on families," Garza said. "We're very big on wanting the families to be united and also to be all going in the same direction. In other words, serving God, thinking the same way and using each other as a protection - a means of protection."

The Texas Circuit 27 A and B assembles three times a year to help congregants live according to biblical principles, Garza said. The next meeting - also to take place in Lubbock - will occur in July and is expected to draw several thousand attendees.

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